Re: "Helicopter must stop flights over St. Albert in wee hours," Letters, The Gazette, March 23.
I find it interesting how the same event or situation is the catalyst for a polar opposite response. You hear a helicopter for 30 seconds to one minute in the middle of the night and choose to consider it with anger, frustration, and resentment.
I hear a helicopter in the middle of the night and feel gratitude, safety, and comfort. I send prayers for the people who have the need for a STARS ambulance helicopter because of a traumatic illness or injury. I am grateful that it's not my loved ones or me who heard that most welcome sound of the rotors approaching with a sigh of relief.
I am grateful that the police helicopter is out there at 4 a.m. keeping my community safe from criminals on the loose.
I am grateful that I am living in a country where the sound of a helicopter doesn't send me scrambling for a safe place to hide from bombs raining down from enemy craft.
So, as you toss and turn to get back to the sleep which was so rudely interrupted by first responders doing their jobs, here are a few alternate suggestions to counting sheep. How about listing off everything you have to be grateful for, such as a warm home, food, shelter, and loved ones? How about brainstorming ideas for making the world a better place, such as volunteering, picking up garbage in the park, or being kind to the cashier? Or, since you're up anyway, how about making an online donation to your favourite charity to benefit those less fortunate than you are? Or, even better, buy a STARS lottery ticket so there can be more helicopters in the middle of the night.
Kudos to all first responders in the air and on land. Next time I hear a helicopter, or police, fire, or ambulance siren, I send gratitude for your service. Thank you.
B.D. Cyr, St. Albert
